Communication device

ABSTRACT

A communication device, such as a mobile phone, which implements a voice communication mode, a digital mirror mode, a video phone mode, and a call blocking mode.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The application is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 10/251,579, filed2002-09-19, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.60/329,997, filed 2001 Oct. 18, both of which are hereby incorporatedherein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to communication device and more particularly tothe communication device which has a capability to communicate withanother communication device in a wireless fashion.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

U.S. Pat. No. 6,895,259 is introduced as prior art of the presentinvention of which the summary is the following: “A flat display for amobile radio telephone or another autonomous electrical device, with adisplay surface on which information can be displayed. The display canbe electrically controlled to make the entire display surface, or only aportion thereof, reflecting. Alphanumerical and/or advertisinginformation can be displayed on the remaining, non-reflecting portion ofthe display surface. The mobile radio telephone can also be used as apractical pocket mirror. Advertisements and important information, forexample service provider identifications, can be displayed particularlyeffectively on a reflecting background”. However, this prior art doesnot disclose the communication device which implements the digitalmirror mode, wherein the image retrieved from the camera is displayed inan inverted manner.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a system and methodto facilitate the user to control equipments in a convenient manner.

Still another object is to overcome the aforementioned shortcomingsassociated with the prior art.

This invention introduces the communication device which implements thedigital mirror mode, wherein the image retrieved from the camera isdisplayed in an inverted manner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of the inventionwill be better understood by reading the following more particulardescription of the invention, presented in conjunction with thefollowing drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 2 a is a simplified illustration illustrating an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 b is a simplified illustration illustrating an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 c is a simplified illustration illustrating an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 6 a is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 6 b is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 8 is a simplified illustration illustrating an exemplary embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a simplified illustration illustrating an exemplary embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a simplified illustration illustrating an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 14 a is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 17 a is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 17 b is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 19 is a simplified illustration illustrating an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 a is a simplified illustration illustrating an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 b is a simplified illustration illustrating an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 27 a is a simplified illustration illustrating an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 27 b is a simplified illustration illustrating an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 28 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 29 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 30 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 31 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 32 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 32 a is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 32 b is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 32 c is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 32 d is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 32 e is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 32 f is a simplified illustration illustrating an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 32 g is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 33 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 34 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 35 a is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 35 b is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 36 is a simplified illustration illustrating an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 37 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 38 is a simplified illustration illustrating an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 39 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 40 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 41 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 42 is a simplified illustration illustrating an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 43 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 44 a is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 44 b is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 44 c is a simplified illustration illustrating an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 44 d is a simplified illustration illustrating an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 44 e is a simplified illustration illustrating an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 45 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 46 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 47 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 48 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 49 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 50 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 51 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 52 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 53 a is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 53 b is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 54 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 55 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 56 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 57 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 58 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 59 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 60 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 61 a is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 61 b is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 62 is a simplified illustration illustrating an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 63 is a simplified illustration illustrating an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 64 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 65 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 66 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 67 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 68 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 69 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 70 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 71 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 72 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 73 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 74 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 74 a is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 75 is a simplified illustration illustrating an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 76 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 77 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 78 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 79 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 80 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 81 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 82 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 83 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 84 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 85 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 86 is a simplified illustration illustrating an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 87 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The following description is of the best presently contemplated mode ofcarrying out the present invention. This description is not to be takenin a limiting sense but is made merely for the purpose of describing thegeneral principles of the invention. For example, each description ofrandom access memory in this specification illustrates only one functionor mode in order to avoid complexity in its explanation, however, suchdescription does not mean that only one function or mode can beimplemented at a time. In other words, more than one function or modecan be implemented simultaneously by way of utilizing the same randomaccess memory. In addition, the figure numbers are cited after theelements in parenthesis in a manner for example “RAM 206 (FIG. 1)”. Itis done so merely to assist the readers to have a better understandingof this specification, and must not be used to limit the scope of theclaims in any manner since the figure numbers cited are not exclusive.The scope of the invention should be determined by referencing theappended claims.

FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram of the communication device 200utilized in the present invention. In FIG. 1 communication device 200includes CPU 211 which controls and administers the overall function andoperation of communication device 200. CPU 211 uses RAM 206 totemporarily store data and/or to perform calculation to perform itsfunction, and to implement the present invention, modes, and functionsexplained hereinafter. Video processor 202 generates analog and/ordigital video signals which are displayed on LCD 201. ROM 207 storesdata and programs which are essential to operate communication device200. Wireless signals are received by antenna 218 and processed bysignal processor 208. Input signals are input by input device 210, suchas dial pad, joy stick, and/or keypad, and the signal is transferred viainput interface 209 and data bus 203 to CPU 211. Indicator 212 is an LEDlamp which is designed to output different colors (e.g., red, blue,green, etc). Analog audio data is input to microphone 215. A/D 213converts the analog audio data into a digital format. Speaker 216outputs analog audio data which is converted into an analog format fromdigital format by D/A 204. Sound processor 205 produces digital audiosignals that are transferred to D/A 204 and also processes the digitalaudio signals transferred from A/D 213. CCD unit 214 captures videoimage which is stored in RAM 206 in a digital format. Vibrator 217vibrates the entire device by the command from CPU 211. For theavoidance of doubt, the definition of communication device 200 includesso-called “PDA”.

FIG. 2 a illustrates one of the preferred methods of the communicationbetween two communication devices. In FIG. 2 a, both device A and deviceB represents communication device 200 in FIG. 1. Device A transferswireless data to transmitter 301 which relays the data to host H viacable 302. The data is transferred to transmitter 308 (e.g., a satellitedish) via cable 320 and then to artificial satellite 304. Artificialsatellite 304 transfers the data to transmitter 309 which transfers thedata to host H via cable 321. The data is then transferred totransmitter 307 via cable 306 and to device B in a wireless fashion.Device B transfers wireless data to device A in the same manner.

FIG. 2 b illustrates another preferred method of the communicationbetween two communication devices. In this example, device A directlytransfers the wireless data to host H, an artificial satellite, whichtransfers the data directly to device B. Device B transfers wirelessdata to device A in the same manner.

FIG. 2 c illustrates another preferred method of the communicationbetween two communication devices. In this example, device A transferswireless data to transmitter 312, an artificial satellite, which relaysthe data to host H, which is also an artificial satellite, in a wirelessfashion. The data is transferred to transmitter 314, an artificialsatellite, which relays the data to device B in a wireless fashion.Device B transfers wireless data to device A in the same manner.

<<Voice Recognition>>

Communication device 200 (FIG. 1) has a function to operate the deviceby the user's voice or convert the user's voice into a text format(i.e., the voice recognition). Such function can be enabled by thetechnologies primarily introduced in the following inventions and thereferences cited thereof: U.S. Pat. No. 6,282,268; U.S. Pat. No.6,278,772; U.S. Pat. No. 6,269,335; U.S. Pat. No. 6,269,334; U.S. Pat.No. 6,260,015; U.S. Pat. No. 6,260,014; U.S. Pat. No. 6,253,177; U.S.Pat. No. 6,253,175; U.S. Pat. No. 6,249,763; U.S. Pat. No. 6,246,990;U.S. Pat. No. 6,233,560; U.S. Pat. No. 6,219,640; U.S. Pat. No.6,219,407; U.S. Pat. No. 6,199,043; U.S. Pat. No. 6,199,041; U.S. Pat.No. 6,195,641; U.S. Pat. No. 6,192,343; U.S. Pat. No. 6,192,337; U.S.Pat. No. 6,188,976; U.S. Pat. No. 6,185,530; U.S. Pat. No. 6,185,529;U.S. Pat. No. 6,185,527; U.S. Pat. No. 6,182,037; U.S. Pat. No.6,178,401; U.S. Pat. No. 6,175,820; U.S. Pat. No. 6,163,767; U.S. Pat.No. 6,157,910; U.S. Pat. No. 6,119,086; U.S. Pat. No. 6,119,085; U.S.Pat. No. 6,101,472; U.S. Pat. No. 6,100,882; U.S. Pat. No. 6,092,039;U.S. Pat. No. 6,088,669; U.S. Pat. No. 6,078,807; U.S. Pat. No.6,075,534; U.S. Pat. No. 6,073,101; U.S. Pat. No. 6,073,096; U.S. Pat.No. 6,073,091; U.S. Pat. No. 6,067,517; U.S. Pat. No. 6,067,514; U.S.Pat. No. 6,061,646; U.S. Pat. No. 6,044,344; U.S. Pat. No. 6,041,300;U.S. Pat. No. 6,035,271; U.S. Pat. No. 6,006,183; U.S. Pat. No.5,995,934; U.S. Pat. No. 5,974,383; U.S. Pat. No. 5,970,239; U.S. Pat.No. 5,963,905; U.S. Pat. No. 5,956,671; U.S. Pat. No. 5,953,701; U.S.Pat. No. 5,953,700; U.S. Pat. No. 5,937,385; U.S. Pat. No. 5,937,383;U.S. Pat. No. 5,933,475; U.S. Pat. No. 5,930,749; U.S. Pat. No.5,909,667; U.S. Pat. No. 5,899,973; U.S. Pat. No. 5,895,447; U.S. Pat.No. 5,884,263; U.S. Pat. No. 5,878,117; U.S. Pat. No. 5,864,819; U.S.Pat. No. 5,848,163; U.S. Pat. No. 5,819,225; U.S. Pat. No. 5,805,832;U.S. Pat. No. 5,802,251; U.S. Pat. No. 5,799,278; U.S. Pat. No.5,797,122; U.S. Pat. No. 5,787,394; U.S. Pat. No. 5,768,603; U.S. Pat.No. 5,751,905; U.S. Pat. No. 5,729,656; U.S. Pat. No. 5,704,009; U.S.Pat. No. 5,671,328; U.S. Pat. No. 5,649,060; U.S. Pat. No. 5,615,299;U.S. Pat. No. 5,615,296; U.S. Pat. No. 5,544,277; U.S. Pat. No.5,524,169; U.S. Pat. No. 5,522,011; U.S. Pat. No. 5,513,298; U.S. Pat.No. 5,502,791; U.S. Pat. No. 5,497,447; U.S. Pat. No. 5,477,451; U.S.Pat. No. 5,475,792; U.S. Pat. No. 5,465,317; U.S. Pat. No. 5,455,889;U.S. Pat. No. 5,440,663; U.S. Pat. No. 5,425,129; U.S. Pat. No.5,353,377; U.S. Pat. No. 5,333,236; U.S. Pat. No. 5,313,531; U.S. Pat.No. 5,293,584; U.S. Pat. No. 5,293,451; U.S. Pat. No. 5,280,562; U.S.Pat. No. 5,278,942; U.S. Pat. No. 5,276,766; U.S. Pat. No. 5,267,345;U.S. Pat. No. 5,233,681; U.S. Pat. No. 5,222,146; U.S. Pat. No.5,195,167; U.S. Pat. No. 5,182,773; U.S. Pat. No. 5,165,007; U.S. Pat.No. 5,129,001; U.S. Pat. No. 5,072,452; U.S. Pat. No. 5,067,166; U.S.Pat. No. 5,054,074; U.S. Pat. No. 5,050,215; U.S. Pat. No. 5,046,099;U.S. Pat. No. 5,033,087; U.S. Pat. No. 5,031,217; U.S. Pat. No.5,018,201; U.S. Pat. No. 4,980,918; U.S. Pat. No. 4,977,599; U.S. Pat.No. 4,926,488; U.S. Pat. No. 4,914,704; U.S. Pat. No. 4,882,759; U.S.Pat. No. 4,876,720; U.S. Pat. No. 4,852,173; U.S. Pat. No. 4,833,712;U.S. Pat. No. 4,829,577; U.S. Pat. No. 4,827,521; U.S. Pat. No.4,759,068; U.S. Pat. No. 4,748,670; U.S. Pat. No. 4,741,036; U.S. Pat.No. 4,718,094; U.S. Pat. No. 4,618,984; U.S. Pat. No. 4,348,553; U.S.Pat. No. 6,289,140; U.S. Pat. No. 6,275,803; U.S. Pat. No. 6,275,801;U.S. Pat. No. 6,272,146; U.S. Pat. No. 6,266,637; U.S. Pat. No.6,266,571; U.S. Pat. No. 6,223,153; U.S. Pat. No. 6,219,638; U.S. Pat.No. 6,163,535; U.S. Pat. No. 6,115,820; U.S. Pat. No. 6,107,935; U.S.Pat. No. 6,092,034; U.S. Pat. No. 6,088,361; U.S. Pat. No. 6,073,103;U.S. Pat. No. 6,073,095; U.S. Pat. No. 6,067,084; U.S. Pat. No.6,064,961; U.S. Pat. No. 6,055,306; U.S. Pat. No. 6,047,301; U.S. Pat.No. 6,023,678; U.S. Pat. No. 6,023,673; U.S. Pat. No. 6,009,392; U.S.Pat. No. 5,995,933; U.S. Pat. No. 5,995,931; U.S. Pat. No. 5,995,590;U.S. Pat. No. 5,991,723; U.S. Pat. No. 5,987,405; U.S. Pat. No.5,974,382; U.S. Pat. No. 5,943,649; U.S. Pat. No. 5,916,302; U.S. Pat.No. 5,897,616; U.S. Pat. No. 5,897,614; U.S. Pat. No. 5,893,133; U.S.Pat. No. 5,873,064; U.S. Pat. No. 5,870,616; U.S. Pat. No. 5,864,805;U.S. Pat. No. 5,857,099; U.S. Pat. No. 5,809,471; U.S. Pat. No.5,805,907; U.S. Pat. No. 5,799,273; U.S. Pat. No. 5,764,852; U.S. Pat.No. 5,715,469; U.S. Pat. No. 5,682,501; U.S. Pat. No. 5,680,509; U.S.Pat. No. 5,668,854; U.S. Pat. No. 5,664,097; U.S. Pat. No. 5,649,070;U.S. Pat. No. 5,640,487; U.S. Pat. No. 5,621,809; U.S. Pat. No.5,577,249; U.S. Pat. No. 5,502,774; U.S. Pat. No. 5,471,521; U.S. Pat.No. 5,467,425; U.S. Pat. No. 5,444,617; U.S. Pat. No. 4,991,217; U.S.Pat. No. 4,817,158; U.S. Pat. No. 4,725,885; U.S. Pat. No. 4,528,659;U.S. Pat. No. 3,995,254; U.S. Pat. No. 3,969,700; U.S. Pat. No.3,925,761; U.S. Pat. No. 3,770,892. The voice recognition function canbe performed in terms of software by using area 261, the voicerecognition working area, of RAM 206 (FIG. 1) which is specificallyallocated to perform such function as described in FIG. 3, or can alsobe performed in terms of hardware circuit where such space isspecifically allocated in area 282 of sound processor 205 (FIG. 1) forthe voice recognition system as described in FIG. 4.

FIG. 5 illustrates how the voice recognition function is activated. CPU211 (FIG. 1) periodically checks the input status of input device 210(FIG. 1) (S1). If the CPU 211 detects a specific signal input from inputdevice 210 (S2) the voice recognition system which is described in FIG.2 and/or FIG. 3 is activated. As another embodiment, the voicerecognition system can also be activated by entering predeterminedphrase, such as “start voice recognition system” via microphone 215(FIG. 1).

<<Voice Recognition—Dialing/Auto-Off During Call>>

FIG. 6 a and FIG. 6 b illustrate the operation of the voice recognitionin the present invention. Once the voice recognition system is activated(S1) the analog audio data is input from microphone 215 (FIG. 1) (S2).The analog audio data is converted into digital data by A/D 213 (FIG. 1)(S3). The digital audio data is processed by sound processor 205(FIG. 1) to retrieve the text and numeric information therefrom (S4).Then the numeric information is retrieved (S5) and displayed on LCD 201(FIG. 1) (S6). If the retrieved numeric information is not correct (S7),the user can input the correct numeric information manually by usinginput device 210 (FIG. 1) (S8). Once the sequence of inputting thenumeric information is completed and after the confirmation process isover (S9), the entire numeric information is displayed on LCD 201 andthe sound is output from speaker 216 under control of CPU 211 (S10). Ifthe numeric information is correct (S11), communication device 200(FIG. 1) initiates the dialing process by utilizing the numericinformation (S12). The dialing process continues until communicationdevice 200 is connected to another device (S13). Once CPU 211 detectsthat the line is connected it automatically deactivates the voicerecognition system (S14).

As described in FIG. 7, CPU 211 (FIG. 1) checks the status ofcommunication device 200 periodically (S1) and remains the voicerecognition system offline during call (S2). If the connection issevered, i.e., user hangs up, then CPU 211 reactivates the voicerecognition system (S3).

<<Voice Recognition—Tag>>

FIGS. 8 through 12 describes the method of inputting the numericinformation in a convenient manner.

As described in FIG. 8, RAM 206 includes Table #1 (FIG. 8) and Table #2(FIG. 9). In FIG. 8, audio information #1 corresponds to tag “Scott.”Namely audio information, such as wave data, which represents the soundof “Scott” (sounds like “S-ko-t”) is registered in Table #1, whichcorresponds to tag “Scott”. In the same manner audio information #2corresponds to tag “Carol”; audio information #3 corresponds to tag“Peter”; audio information #4 corresponds to tag “Amy”; and audioinformation #5 corresponds to tag “Brian.” In FIG. 9, tag “Scott”corresponds to numeric information “(916) 411-2526”; tag “Carol”corresponds to numeric information “(418) 675-6566”; tag “Peter”corresponds to numeric information “(220) 890-1567”; tag “Amy”corresponds to numeric information “(615) 125-3411”; and tag “Brian”corresponds to numeric information “(042) 645-2097.” FIG. 11 illustrateshow CPU 211 (FIG. 1) operates by utilizing both Table #1 and Table #2.Once the audio data is processed as described in S4 of FIG. 6, CPU 211scans Table #1 (S1). If the retrieved audio data matches with one of theaudio information registered in Table #1 (S2), CPU 211 scans Table #2(S3) and retrieves the corresponding numeric information from Table #2(S4).

FIG. 10 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention. Here,RAM 206 includes Table #A instead of Table #1 and Table #2 describedabove. In this embodiment, audio info #1 (i.e., wave data whichrepresents the sound of “Scot”) directly corresponds to numericinformation “(916) 411-2526.” In the same manner audio info #2corresponds to numeric information “(410) 675-6566”; audio info #3corresponds to numeric information “(220) 890-1567”; audio info #4corresponds to numeric information “(615) 125-3411”; and audio info #5corresponds to numeric information “(042)645-2097.” FIG. 12 illustrateshow CPU 211 (FIG. 1) operates by utilizing Table #A. Once the audio datais processed as described in S4 of FIG. 6, CPU 211 scans Table #A (S1).If the retrieved audio data matches with one of the audio informationregistered in Table #A (S2), it retrieves the corresponding numericinformation therefrom (S3).

As another embodiment, RAM 206 may contain only Table #2 and tag can beretrieved from the voice recognition system explained in FIGS. 3 through7. Namely, once the audio data is processed by CPU 211 (FIG. 1) asdescribed in S4 of FIG. 6 and retrieves the text data therefrom anddetects one of the tags registered in Table #2 (e.g., “Scot”), CPU 211retrieves the corresponding numeric information (e.g., “(916) 411-2526”)from the same table.

<<Voice Recognition—Background Noise Filter>>

FIGS. 13 through 15 describes the method of minimizing the undesiredeffect of the background noise when utilizing the voice recognitionsystem.

As described in FIG. 13, RAM 206 (FIG. 1) includes area 255 and area256. Sound audio data which represents background noise is stored inarea 255, and sound audio data which represents the beep, ringing soundand other sounds which are emitted from the communication device 200 arestored in area 256.

FIG. 14 describes the method to utilize the data stored in area 255 andarea 256 described in FIG. 13. When the voice recognition system isactivated as described in FIG. 5, the analog audio data is input frommicrophone 215 (FIG. 1) (S1). The analog audio data is converted intodigital data by A/D 213 (FIG. 1) (S2). The digital audio data isprocessed by sound processor 205 (FIG. 1) (S3) and compared to the datastored in area 255 and area 256 (S4). Such comparison can be done byeither sound processor 205 or CPU 211 (FIG. 1). If the digital audiodata matches to the data stored in area 255 and/or area 256, thefiltering process is initiated and the matched portion of the digitalaudio data is deleted as background noise. Such sequence of process isdone before retrieving text and numeric information from the digitalaudio data.

FIG. 14 a describes the method of updating area 255. When the voicerecognition system is activated as described in FIG. 5, the analog audiodata is input from microphone 215 (FIG. 1) (S1). The analog audio datais converted into digital data by A/D 213 (FIG. 1) (S2). The digitalaudio data is processed by sound processor 205 (FIG. 1) or CPU 211(FIG. 1) (S3) and the background noise is captured (S4). CPU 211(FIG. 1) scans area 255 and if the captured background noise is notregistered in area 255, it updates the sound audio data stored therein(S5).

FIG. 15 describes another embodiment of the present invention. CPU 211(FIG. 1) routinely checks whether the voice recognition system isactivated (S1). If the system is activated (S2), the beep, ringingsound, and other sounds which are emitted from communication device 200are automatically turned off in order to minimize the miss recognitionprocess of the voice recognition system (S3).

<<Voice Recognition—Automatic Turn-Off>>

The voice recognition system can be automatically turned off to avoidglitch as described in FIG. 16. When the voice recognition system isactivated (S1), CPU 211 (FIG. 1) automatically sets a timer (S2). Thevalue of timer (i.e., the length of time until the system isdeactivated) can be set manually by the user. The timer is incrementedperiodically (S3), and if the incremented time equals to thepredetermined value of time as set in S2 (S4), the voice recognitionsystem is automatically deactivated (S5).

<<Voice Recognition—E-Mail (1)>>

FIGS. 17 a and 17 b illustrate the first embodiment of typing andsending e-mails by utilizing the voice recognition system. Once thevoice recognition system is activated (S1), the analog audio data isinput from microphone 215 (FIG. 1) (S2). The analog audio data isconverted into digital data by A/D 213 (FIG. 1) (S3). The digital audiodata is processed by sound processor 205 (FIG. 1) or CPU 211 (FIG. 1) toretrieve the text and numeric information therefrom (S4). The text andnumeric information are retrieved (S5) and are displayed on LCD 201(FIG. 1) (S6). If the retrieved information is not correct (S7), theuser can input the correct text and/or numeric information manually byusing the input device 210 (FIG. 1) (S8). If inputting the text andnumeric information is completed (S9) and CPU 211 detects input signalfrom input device 210 to send the e-mail (S10), the dialing process isinitiated (S11). The dialing process is repeated until communicationdevice 200 is connected to host H (S12), and the e-mail is sent to thedesignated address (S13).

<<Voice Recognition—Speech-to-Text>>

FIG. 18 illustrates the speech-to-text function of communication device200 (FIG. 1).

Once communication device 200 receives a transmitted data from anotherdevice via antenna 218 (FIG. 1) (S1), signal processor 208 (FIG. 1)processes the data (e.g., wireless signal error check and decompression)(S2), and the transmitted data is converted into digital audio data(S3). Such conversion can be rendered by either CPU 211 (FIG. 1) orsignal processor 208. The digital audio data is transferred to soundprocessor 205 (FIG. 1) via data bus 203 and text and numeric informationare retrieved therefrom (S4). CPU 211 designates the predetermined fontand color to the text and numeric information (S5) and also designates atag to such information (S6). After these tasks are completed the tagand the text and numeric information are stored in RAM 206 and displayedon LCD 201 (S7).

FIG. 19 illustrates how the text and numeric information as well as thetag are displayed. On LCD 201 the text and numeric information 702(“XXXXXXXXX”) are displayed with the predetermined font and color aswell as with the tag 701 (“John”).

<<Voice Recognition—Summary>>

The foregoing inventions may be summarized as the following.

(1) A communication device which has a function to retrieve text andnumeric information from a user's voice input from a microphone whereinsaid function is deactivated when said communication device is connectedto another device in order to avoid undesired operation of saidcommunication device.

(2) A communication device which has a function to retrieve text andnumeric information from a user's voice input from a microphone whereinsaid communication device retrieves a numeric information from saiduser's voice and initiates a dialing process by utilizing said numericinformation thereby enabling said user to initiate said dialing processonly by his/her voice and/or by without physically contacting saidcommunication device.

(3) A communication device which has a function to retrieve text andnumeric information from a user's voice input from a microphone whereinsaid communication device retrieves audio information from which numericinformation can not be retrieved from said user's voice and retrievespredetermined corresponding numeric information therefrom therebyenabling said user to initiate a dialing process in a convenient mannerand without memorizing said numeric information or without referring toother sources for said information.

(4) A communication device which has a function to retrieve text andnumeric information from a user's voice input from a microphone whereinsaid communication device compares audio information retrieved from saiduser's voice with pre-stored audio data and erases said audio data fromsaid audio information before retrieving text and numeric informationtherefrom thereby enabling said function to be more accurate andminimizing error in retrieving said text and numeric information.

(5) A communication device which has a function to retrieve text andnumeric information from a user's voice input from a microphone whereinsaid communication device retrieves text and numeric information fromdata transmitted from another device and displays said text and numericinformation with predetermined font and color thereby enabling the userto visually confirm the content of conversation by way of observing thesaid text and numeric information displayed.

(6) A wireless communication device comprising a microphone, a display,an input device, an antenna, an alphanumeric data modification meansand, a voice recognition system, wherein when said voice recognitionsystem is activated and said wireless communication is in an emailproducing mode to produce an email, a series of audio data is input fromsaid microphone and said voice recognition system converts said seriesof audio data into a first series of alphanumeric data which aredisplayed on said display, said first series of alphanumeric data aremodified by said alphanumeric data modification means to a second seriesof alphanumeric data when said second series of alphanumeric data areinput from said input device, said email including said second series ofalphanumeric data is transmitted in a wireless manner from said antenna.

<<Positioning System>>

FIG. 20 a illustrates the simplified block diagram to detect theposition of communication device 200 (FIG. 1).

In FIG. 20 a, relay R1 is connected to cable C1, relay R2 is connectedto cable C2, relay R3 is connected to cable C3, and relay R4 isconnected to cable C4. Cables C1, C2, C3, and C4 are connected totransmitter T, which is connected to host H by cable C5. The relays (R1-R 20) are located throughout the predetermined area in the patternillustrated in FIG. 20 b. The system illustrated in FIG. 20 a and FIG.20 b is designed to pin-point the position of communication device 200by using the method so-called “global positioning system” or “GPS.” Suchfunction can be enabled by the technologies primarily introduced in thefollowing inventions and the references cited thereof: U.S. Pat. No.6,429,814; U.S. Pat. No. 6,427,121; U.S. Pat. No. 6,427,120; U.S. Pat.No. 6,424,826; U.S. Pat. No. 6,415,227; U.S. Pat. No. 6,415,154; U.S.Pat. No. 6,411,811; U.S. Pat. No. 6,392,591; U.S. Pat. No. 6,389,291;U.S. Pat. No. 6,369,751; U.S. Pat. No. 6,347,113; U.S. Pat. No.6,324,473; U.S. Pat. No. 6,301,545; U.S. Pat. No. 6,297,770; U.S. Pat.No. 6,278,404; U.S. Pat. No. 6,275,771; U.S. Pat. No. 6,272,349; U.S.Pat. No. 6,266,012; U.S. Pat. No. 6,259,401; U.S. Pat. No. 6,243,647;U.S. Pat. No. 6,236,354; U.S. Pat. No. 6,233,094; U.S. Pat. No.6,232,922; U.S. Pat. No. 6,211,822; U.S. Pat. No. 6,188,351; U.S. Pat.No. 6,182,927; U.S. Pat. No. 6,163,567; U.S. Pat. No. 6,101,430; U.S.Pat. No. 6,084,542; U.S. Pat. No. 5,971,552; U.S. Pat. No. 5,963,167;U.S. Pat. No. 5,944,770; U.S. Pat. No. 5,890,091; U.S. Pat. No.5,841,399; U.S. Pat. No. 5,808,582; U.S. Pat. No. 5,777,578; U.S. Pat.No. 5,774,831; U.S. Pat. No. 5,764,184; U.S. Pat. No. 5,757,786; U.S.Pat. No. 5,736,961; U.S. Pat. No. 5,736,960; U.S. Pat. No. 5,594,454;U.S. Pat. No. 5,585,800; U.S. Pat. No. 5,554,994; U.S. Pat. No.5,535,278; U.S. Pat. No. 5,534,875; U.S. Pat. No. 5,519,620; U.S. Pat.No. 5,506,588; U.S. Pat. No. 5,446,465; U.S. Pat. No. 5,434,574; U.S.Pat. No. 5,402,441; U.S. Pat. No. 5,373,531; U.S. Pat. No. 5,349,531;U.S. Pat. No. 5,347,286; U.S. Pat. No. 5,341,301; U.S. Pat. No.5,339,246; U.S. Pat. No. 5,293,170; U.S. Pat. No. 5,225,842; U.S. Pat.No. 5,223,843; U.S. Pat. No. 5,210,540; U.S. Pat. No. 5,193,064; U.S.Pat. No. 5,187,485; U.S. Pat. No. 5,175,557; U.S. Pat. No. 5,148,452;U.S. Pat. No. 5,134,407; U.S. Pat. No. 4,928,107; U.S. Pat. No.4,928,106; U.S. Pat. No. 4,785,463; U.S. Pat. No. 4,754,465; U.S. Pat.No. 4,622,557; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,457,006. The relays R1-R20 arepreferably located on ground, however, are also permitted to beinstalled in artificial satellites as described in the foregoing patentsand the references cited thereof in order to cover wider geographicalrange. In addition, host H may be carried by an artificial satellite andutilize the formation as described in FIGS. 2 a, 2 b, and 2 c.

FIGS. 21 through 26 illustrate how the positioning system is performed.Assuming that device A, communication device 200, seeks to detect theposition of device B, another communication device 200, which is locatedsomewhere in the matrix of relays illustrated in FIG. 20 b.

As described in FIG. 21, first of all the device ID of device B isentered by utilizing input device 210 (FIG. 1) or the voice recognitionsystem of device A installed therein (S1). The device ID may be itscorresponding phone number. A request data including the device ID issent to host H (FIG. 20 a) from device A (S2).

As illustrated in FIG. 22, host H (FIG. 20 a) periodically receives datafrom device A (S1). If the received data is a request data (S2), host Hfirst of all searches its communication log which records the locationof device B when it last communicated with host H (S3). Then host Hsends search signal from the relays described in FIG. 20 b which arelocated within 100 meter radius from the location registered in thecommunication log. If there is no response from Device B (S5), host Hsends a search signal from all relays (from R1 to R20 in FIG. 20 b)(S6).

As illustrated in FIG. 23, device B periodically receives data from hostH (FIG. 20 a) (S1). If the data received is a search signal (S2), deviceB sends a response signal to host H (S3).

As illustrated in FIG. 24 host H (FIG. 20 a) periodically receives datafrom device B (S1). If the data received is a response signal (S2), hostH locates the geographic position of device B by utilizing the methoddescribed in FIGS. 20 a and 20 b (S3), and sends the location data andthe relevant map data of the area where device B is located to device A(S4).

As illustrated in FIG. 25, device A periodically receives data from hostH (FIG. 20 a) (S1). If the data received is the location data and therelevant map data mentioned above (S2), device A displays the map basedon the relevant map data and indicates the current location of device Bthereon based on the location data received (S3).

Device A can continuously track down the current location of device B asillustrated in FIG. 26. First, device A sends a request data to host H(FIG. 20 a) (S1). As soon as host H receives the request data (S2), itsends a search signal in the manner illustrated in FIG. 22 (S3). As soonas device B receives the search signal (S4), it sends a response signalto host H (S5). Based on the response signal, host H locates thegeographic location of device B with the method described in FIGS. 20 aand 20 b (S6). Then host H sends to device A a renewed location data anda relevant map data of the area where device B is currently located(S7). As soon as these data are received (S8), device A displays the mapbased on the relevant map data and indicates the updated location basedon the renewed location data (S9). If device B is still within thespecified area device A may use the original relevant map data. Asanother embodiment of the present invention, S1 through S4 may beomitted and make device B send a response signal continuously to host Huntil host H sends a command signal to device B to cease sending theresponse signal.

<<Positioning System—Automatic Silent Mode>>

FIGS. 27 a through 32 g illustrate the automatic silent mode ofcommunication device 200 (FIG. 1).

In FIG. 27 a, relay R1 is connected to cable C1, relay R2 is connectedto cable C2, relay R3 is connected to cable C3, and relay R4 isconnected to cable C4. Cables C1, C2, C3, and C4 are connected totransmitter T, which is connected to host H by cable C5. The relays (R1-R 20) are located throughout the predetermined area in the patternillustrated in FIG. 27 b. The system illustrated in FIGS. 27 a and 27 bis designed to pin-point the position of communication device 200 byusing the method so-called “global positioning system” or “GPS.” Asstated hereinbefore, such function can be enabled by the technologiesprimarily introduced in the inventions in the foregoing patents and thereferences cited thereof. The relays R1-R20 are preferably located onground, however, are also permitted to be installed in artificialsatellites as described in the foregoing patents and the referencescited thereof in order to cover wider geographical range. In addition,host H may be carried by an artificial satellite and utilize theformation as described in FIGS. 2 a, 2 b, and 2 c.

As illustrated in FIG. 28, the user of communication device 200 may setthe silent mode by input device 210 (FIG. 1) or by utilizing the voicerecognition system installed therein. When communication device 200 isin the silent mode, (a) the ringing sound is turned off, (b) vibrator217 (FIG. 1) activates when communication device 200 receives call,and/or (c) communication device 200 sends an automatic response to thecaller device when a call is received (S1). The user may, at hisdiscretion, select any of these predetermined function of the automaticsilent mode.

FIG. 29 illustrates how the automatic silent mode is activated.Communication device 200 periodically checks its present location withthe method so-called “global positioning system” or “GPS” by using thesystem illustrated in FIGS. 27 a and 27 b (S1). Communication device 200then compares the present location and the previous location (S2). Ifthe difference of the two values is more than the specified amount X,i.e., when the moving velocity of communication device 200 exceeds thepredetermined value (S3), the silent mode is activated and (a) theringing sound is automatically turned off, (b) vibrator 217 (FIG. 1)activates, and/or (c) communication device 200 sends an automaticresponse to the caller device according to the user's setting (S4).Here, the silent mode is automatically activated because the user ofcommunication device 200 is presumed to be on an automobile and is notin a situation to freely answer the phone, or the user is presumed to beriding a train and does not want to disturb other passengers.

As another embodiment of the present invention, the automatic silentmode may be administered by host H (FIG. 27 a). As illustrated in FIG.30, the silent mode is set in the manner described in FIG. 28 (S1) andcommunication device 200 sends to host H a request signal indicatingthat it is in the silent mode (S2).

As described in FIG. 31, when host H (FIG. 27 a) detects a call tocommunication device 200 after receiving the request signal, it checksthe current location of communication device 200 (S1) and compares itwith the previous location (S2). If the difference of the two values ismore than the specified amount X, i.e., when the moving velocity ofcommunication device 200 exceeds the predetermined value (S3), host Hsends a notice signal to communication device 200 indicating that it hasreceived an incoming call (S4).

As illustrated in FIG. 32, communication device 200 receives dataperiodically from host H (FIG. 27 a) (S1). If the received data is anotice signal (S2), communication device 200 activates the silent mode(S3) and (a) the ringing sound is automatically turned off, (b) vibrator217 (FIG. 1) activates, and/or (c) communication device 200 sends anautomatic response to the caller device according to the user's setting.The automatic response may be sent from host H instead.

As another embodiment of the present invention, a train route data maybe utilized. As illustrated in FIG. 32 a, a train route data is storedin area 263 of RAM 206. The train route data contains three-dimensionaltrain route map including the location data of the train route. FIG. 32b illustrates how the train route data is utilized. CPU 211 (FIG. 1)periodically checks the present location of communication device 200 bythe method described in FIGS. 27 a and 27 b (S1). Then CPU 211 compareswith the train route data stored in area 263 of RAM 206 (S2). If thepresent location of communication 200 matches the train route data(i.e., if communication device is located on the train route) (S3), thesilent mode is activated in the manner described above (S4). The silentmode is activated because the user of communication device 200 ispresumed to be currently on a train and may not want to disturb theother passengers on the same train.

As another embodiment of the present invention, such function can bedelegated to host H (FIG. 27 a) as described in FIG. 32 c. Namely, hostH (FIG. 27 a) periodically checks the present location of communicationdevice 200 by the method described in FIGS. 27 a and 27 b (S1). Thenhost H compares the present location with the train route data stored inits own storage (not shown) (S2). If the present location ofcommunication 200 matches the train route data (i.e., if communicationdevice is located on the train route) (S3) host H sends a notice signalto communication device 200 thereby activating the silent mode in themanner described above (S4).

Another embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 32 f and 32 g. As illustratedin FIG. 32 f, relays R 101, R 102, R 103, R 104, R 105, R 106, whichperform the same function to the relays described in FIG. 27 a and FIG.27 b, are installed in train Tr. The signals from these relays are sentto host H illustrated in FIG. 27 a. Relays R 101 through R 106 emitinside-the-train signals which are emitted only inside train Tr. FIG. 32g illustrates how communication device 200 operates inside train Tr.Communication device 200 periodically checks the signal received intrain Tr (S1). If communication device 200 determines that the signalreceived is an inside-the-train signal (S2), it activates the silentmode in the manner described above (S3).

<<Positioning System—Auto Response>>

FIG. 32 d and FIG. 32 e illustrates the method to send an automaticresponse to a caller device when the silent mode is activated.

Assume that the caller device, a communication device 200, intends tocall a callee device, another communication device 200 via host H (FIG.27 a). As illustrated in FIG. 32 d, the caller device dials the calleedevice and the dialing signal is sent to host H (S1). Host H checkswhether the callee device is in the silent mode (S2). If host H detectsthat the callee device is in the silent mode, it sends a predeterminedauto response which indicates that the callee is probably on a train andmay currently not be available, which is received by the caller device(S3). If the user of the caller device still desires to request forconnection and certain code is input from input device 210 (FIG. 1) orby the voice recognition system (S4), a request signal for connection issent and received by host H (S5), and the line is connected between thecaller device and the callee device via host H (S6).

As another embodiment of the present invention, the task of host H (FIG.27 a) which is described in FIG. 32 d may be delegated to the calleedevice as illustrated in FIG. 32 e. The caller device dials the calleedevice and the dialing signal is sent to the callee device via host H(S1). The callee device checks whether it is in the silent mode (S2). Ifthe callee device detects that it is in the silent mode, it sends anpredetermined auto response which indicates that the callee is probablyon a train and may currently not be available, which is sent to thecaller device via host H (S3). If the user of the caller device stilldesires to request for connection and certain code is input from inputdevice 210 (FIG. 1) or by the voice recognition system (S4), a requestsignal for connection is sent to the callee device via host H (S5), andthe line is connected between the caller device and the callee devicevia host H (S6).

<<Positioning System—Summary>>

The foregoing inventions may be summarized as the following.

(1) A positioning system consisting of a first device, a host, and asecond device wherein a device ID of said second device is input intosaid first device, said device ID is sent to said host, said host sendsa search signal to which said second device responds, said host sends tothe first device location data indicating the location of said seconddevice, and said first device displays the location of said seconddevice thereby enabling said first device to identify the location ofsaid second device. Where said first device is a communication device,said first device includes an antenna, said antenna sends positioningsignal to identify the location of said second device, and said antennaalso sends communication signal thereby enabling the user of said firstdevice to identify the location of said second device as well asutilizing said communication device for means of communication.

(2) A communication device wherein the moving velocity of saidcommunication device is checked and when said moving velocity exceeds apredetermined value said communication device refrains from emittingsound thereby preventing other persons being present near saidcommunication device from being disturbed.

(3) A communication device wherein the location of said communicationdevice is compared to a route data and said communication devicerefrains from emitting sound if said location of said communicationdevice is determined to match said route data thereby preventing otherpersons being present near said communication device from beingdisturbed.

(4) A communication system consisting of a first communication deviceand a second communication device wherein said first communicationdevice receives an automatic response if said second communicationdevice is in a certain mode and said first communication device isenable to be connected to said second communication device upon saidsecond device sending a request thereby preventing other persons beingpresent near said first communication device from being disturbed.

(5) A communication system consisting of a communication device and aplurality of signal emitter wherein said communication device refrainsfrom emitting sound upon receiving a certain signal from said signalemitter thereby preventing other persons being present near saidcommunication device from being disturbed.

<<Auto Backup>>

FIGS. 33 through 37 illustrate the automatic backup system ofcommunication device 200 (FIG. 1).

As illustrated in FIG. 33, RAM 206 (FIG. 1) includes areas to store thedata essential to the user of communication device 200, such as area 278for a phone list, area 279 for an address book, area 280 for email data,area 281 for software A, area 282 for software B, area 283 for softwareC, area 284 for data D, area 285 for data E. RAM 206 also includes area264, i.e., the selected data info storage area, which will be explainedin details hereinafter.

As described in FIG. 34, the user selects data by utilizing input device210 (FIG. 1) or the voice recognition system which he/she intends to beautomatically backed up (S1). The selected data are written in area 264,the selected data info storage area (S2).

The overall operation of this function is illustrated in FIGS. 35 a and35 b. First of all, a timer (not shown) is set by a specific inputsignal produced by input device 210 (FIG. 1) or by the voice recognitionsystem (S1). The timer is incremented periodically (S2) and when theincremented value equals the predetermined value (S3), CPU 211 (FIG. 1)initiates the dialing process (S4). The dialing process continues untilcommunication device 200 is connected to host H explained in FIG. 37(S5). Once the line is connected, CPU 211 reads the information storedin area 264 (S6) and based on such information it initiates to transferthe selected data from RAM 206 to host H (S7). The transfer continuesuntil all of the selected data are transferred to host H (S8), and theline is disconnected thereafter (S9). This backup sequence can beinitiated automatically and periodically by using a timer or manually.As another embodiment of the present invention, instead of selecting thedata that are to be backed up, all data in RAM 206 (FIG. 1) can betransferred to host H.

FIG. 36 illustrates the basic structure of the data transferred to hostH. Transferred data 601 includes header 602, device ID 603, selecteddata 604 and footer 605. Device ID 603 is the identification number ofcommunication device 200 preferably its phone number, and selected data604 is a pack of data which is transferred from RAM 206 to host H basedon information stored in area 264. Header 602 and footer 605 indicatesthe beginning and the end of the transferred data 601 respectively.

FIG. 37 illustrates the basic structure of host H. Host H includesbackup data storage area 401 which is used to backup all of the backupdata transferred from all communication devices. Host H stores thetransferred data 601 (FIG. 36) to the designated area based on thedevice ID included in transferred data 601. For example, transferreddata 601 transferred from device A is stored in area 412 as backup dataA. In the same manner transferred data 601 transferred from device B isstored in area 413 as backup data B; transferred data 601 transferredfrom device C is stored in area 414 as backup data C; transferred data601 transferred from device D is stored in area 415 as backup data D;transferred data 601 transferred from device E is stored in area 416 asbackup data E; and transferred data 601 transferred from device F isstored in area 417 as backup data F.

<<Auto Backup—Summary>>

The foregoing invention may be summarized as the following.

A communication system consisting of a host and a plurality ofcommunication device wherein said host includes a plurality of storageareas and each of said plurality of communication device includes astorage area, and data stored in said storage area of said communicationdevice are manually and/or periodically transferred to one of thedesignated storage areas of said host thereby enabling the users of saidplurality of communication device to retrieve data when said pluralityof communication device are lost or broken.

<<Signal Amplifier>>

FIG. 38 illustrates a signal amplifier utilized for automobiles andother transportation carriers, such as trains, airplanes, spaceshuttles, and motor cycles.

As described in FIG. 38, automobile 835 includes interface 503, aninterface detachably connectable to communication device 200, which isconnected to amplifier 502 via cable 505. Amplifier 502 is connected toantenna 501 via cable 504 and connector 507 as described in thisdrawing. The signal produced by communication device 200 is transferredto interface 503. Then the signal is transferred to amplifier 502 viacable 505 where the signal is amplified. The amplified signal istransferred to antenna 501 via cable 504 and connector 507, whichtransmits the amplified signal to host H (not shown). The receivingsignal is received by antenna 501 and transferred to amplifier 502 viaconnector 507 and cable 504, and then is transferred to interface 503via cable 505, which transfers the amplified signal to communicationdevice 200.

<<Signal Amplifier—Summary>>

The foregoing invention may be summarized as the following.

A transportation carrier which is primarily designed to carry person orpersons consisting of an interface which is detachably connectable to acommunication device, an amplifier which is connected to said interfaceand which amplifies the signal produced by said communication device,and an transmitter which is connected to said amplifier and whichtransmits said signal amplified by said amplifier.

<<Audio/Video Data Capturing System>>

FIGS. 39 through 44 illustrate the audio/video capturing system ofcommunication device 200 (FIG. 1).

Assuming that device A, a communication device 200, captures audio/videodata and transfers such data to device B, another communication device200, via a host (not shown). Primarily video data is input from CCD unit214 (FIG. 1) and audio data is input from microphone 215 of (FIG. 1) ofdevice A.

As illustrated in FIG. 39, RAM 206 (FIG. 1) includes area 267 whichstores video data, area 268 which stores audio data, and area 265 whichis a work area utilized for the process explained hereinafter.

As described in FIG. 40, the video data input from CCD unit 214 (FIG. 1)(Sla) is converted from analog data to digital data (S2 a) and isprocessed by video processor 202 (FIG. 1) (S3 a). Area 265 (FIG. 39) isused as work area for such process. The processed video data is storedin area 267 (FIG. 39) of RAM 206 (S4 a) and is displayed on LCD 201(FIG. 1) (S5 a). As described in the same drawing, the audio data inputfrom microphone 215 (FIG. 1) (S1 b) is converted from analog data todigital data by A/D 213 (FIG. 1) (S2 b) and is processed by soundprocessor 205 (FIG. 1) (S3 b). Area 265 is used as work area for suchprocess. The processed audio data is stored in area 268 (FIG. 39) of RAM206 (S4 b) and is transferred to sound processor 205 and is output fromspeaker 216 (FIG. 1) via D/A 204 (FIG. 1) (S5 b). The sequences of S1 athrough S5 a and S1 b through S5 b are continued until a specific signalindicating to stop such sequence is input from input device 210 (FIG. 1)or by the voice recognition system (S6).

FIG. 41 illustrates the sequence to transfer the video data and theaudio data via antenna 218 (FIG. 1) in a wireless fashion. As describedin FIG. 41, CPU 211 (FIG. 1) of device A initiates a dialing process(S1) until the line is connected to a host (not shown) (S2). As soon asthe line is connected, CPU 211 reads the video data and the audio datastored in area 267 (FIG. 39) and area 268 (FIG. 39) (S3) and transferthem to signal processor 208 (FIG. 1) where the data are converted intoa transferring data (S4). The transferring data is transferred fromantenna 218 (FIG. 1) in a wireless fashion (S5). The sequence of S1through S5 is continued until a specific signal indicating to stop suchsequence is input from input device 210 (FIG. 1) or via the voicerecognition system (S6). The line is disconnected thereafter (S7).

FIG. 42 illustrates the basic structure of the transferred data which istransferred from device A as described in S4 and S5 of FIG. 41.Transferred data 610 is primarily composed of header 611, video data612, audio data 613, relevant data 614, and footer 615. Video data 612corresponds to the video data stored in area 267 (FIG. 39) of RAM 206,and audio data 613 corresponds to the audio data stored in area 268(FIG. 39) of RAM 206. Relevant data 614 includes various types of data,such as the identification numbers of device A (i.e., transferor device)and device B (i.e., transferee device), a location data which representsthe location of device A, email data transferred from device A to deviceB, etc. Header 611 and footer 615 represent the beginning and the end oftransferred data 610 respectively.

FIG. 43 illustrates the data contained in RAM 206 (FIG. 1) of device B.As illustrated in FIG. 43, RAM 206 includes area 269 which stores videodata, area 270 which stores audio data, and area 266 which is a workarea utilized for the process explained hereinafter.

As described in FIG. 44 a and FIG. 44 b, CPU 211 (FIG. 1) of device Binitiates a dialing process (S1) until device B is connected to a host(not shown) (S2). Transferred data 610 is received by antenna 218(FIG. 1) of device B (S3) and is converted by signal processor 208 (FIG.1) into data readable by CPU 211 (S4). Video data and audio data areretrieved from transferred data 610 and stored into area 269 (FIG. 43)and area 270 (FIG. 43) of RAM 206 respectively (S5). The video datastored in area 269 is processed by video processor 202 (FIG. 1) (S6 a).The processed video data is converted into an analog data (S7 a) anddisplayed on LCD 201 (FIG. 1) (S8 a). S7 a may not be necessarydepending on the type of LCD 201 used. The audio data stored in area 270is processed by sound processor 205 (FIG. 1) (S6 b). The processed audiodata is converted into analog data by D/A 204 (FIG. 1) (S7 b) and outputfrom speaker 216 (FIG. 1) (S8 b). The sequences of S6 a through S8 a andS6 b through S8 b are continued until a specific signal indicating tostop such sequence is input from input device 210 (FIG. 1) or via thevoice recognition system (S9).

<<Audio/Video Data Capturing System—Summary>>

The foregoing invention may be summarized as the following.

(1) A communication system consisting of a first communication deviceand a second communication device wherein said first communicationconsists of a video input means to input video information, amicrophone, and a first antenna, said second communication deviceconsists of a display means to output said video information, a speaker,and a second antenna, said first communication device inputs said videoinformation and said audio information from said video input means andsaid microphone respectively, said video information and said audioinformation are sent to said second communication device from said firstantenna in a wireless fashion, said second communication device receivessaid video information and said audio information in a wireless fashionfrom said second antenna, and said video information and said audioinformation are output from said display means and said speaker of saidsecond communication device respectively thereby enabling the user ofsaid first communication device and the user of said secondcommunication device to communicate at any location wherever theydesire.

(2) A communication device consisting of a video input means to inputvideo information, a microphone, and an antenna wherein saidcommunication device inputs said video information and said audioinformation from said video input means and said microphonerespectively, said video information is sent to another device in awireless fashion from said antenna, said audio information is also sentto said other device in a wireless fashion from said antenna therebyenabling the user of said communication device to communicate with saidother device by utilizing said video information and said audioinformation in any location wherever he/she desires.

<<Digital Mirror (1)>>

FIGS. 44 c through 44 e illustrate the first embodiment of digitalmirror function of communication device 200 (FIG. 1).

In this embodiment communication device 200 includes rotator 291 asdescribed in FIG. 44 c. Rotator 291 is fixed to the side ofcommunication device 200 and rotates CCD unit 214 (FIG. 1) and therebyCCD unit 214 is enabled to face multi-direction. CPU 211 (FIG. 1) readsthe video data stored in area 267 (FIG. 39) from left to right asdescribed in FIG. 44 d when CCD unit 214 is facing the oppositedirection from LCD 201 (FIG. 1). However, when CCD unit 214 is facingthe same direction with LCD 201, CPU 211 reads the video data stored inarea 267 from right to left as described in FIG. 44 e thereby producinga “mirror image” on LCD 201.

As another embodiment of the present invention more than one CCD unitswhich face multi-direction may be utilized instead of enabling one CCDunit to rotate in the manner described above.

<<Digital Mirror—Summary>>

The foregoing inventions may be summarized as the following.

(1) A wireless communication device comprising a camera, a display, animage data producing means, a wireless transmitting means, wherein saidcamera is capable of facing a first direction and a second direction,said image data producing means is capable of producing a non-invertedimage data and an inverted image data, said image data producing meansproduces said non-inverted image data which is displayed on said displaywhen said camera is facing said first direction and produces saidinverted image data which is displayed on said display when said camerais facing said second direction, while said non-inverted image data istransferred in a wireless fashion from said wireless transmitting means.

(2) A communication device consisting of a display and a video inputmeans wherein said display outputs video image which is input from saidvideo input means and said video image is output in a symmetric fashionwhen said video input means is facing the same direction with saiddisplay thereby enabling the user of said communication device toutilize said communication device as a digital mirror.

<<Caller ID>>

FIGS. 45 through 47 illustrate the caller ID system of communicationdevice 200 (FIG. 1).

As illustrated in FIG. 45, RAM 206 includes Table C. As shown in thedrawing, each phone number corresponds to a specific color and sound.For example phone #1 corresponds to color A and sound E; phone #2corresponds to color B and sound F; phone #3 corresponds to color C andsound G; and phone #4 corresponds to color D and sound H.

As illustrated in FIG. 46, the user of communication device 200 selectsor inputs a phone number (S1) and selects a specific color (S2) and aspecific sound (S3) designated for that phone number by utilizing inputdevice 210 (FIG. 1). Such sequence can be repeated until there is aspecific input signal from input device 210 ordering to do otherwise(S4).

As illustrated in FIG. 47, CPU 211 (FIG. 1) periodically checks whetherit has received a call from other communication devices (S1). If itreceives a call (S2), CPU 211 scans Table C (FIG. 45) to see whether thephone number of the caller device is registered in the table (S3). Ifthere is a match (S4), the designated color is output from indicator 212(FIG. 1) and the designated sound is output from speaker 216 (FIG. 1)(S5). For example if the incoming call is from phone #1, color A isoutput from indicator 212 and sound E is output from speaker 216.

<<Caller ID—Summary>>

The foregoing invention may be summarized as the following.

A communication device consisting of a color emitting means whichoutputs more than one type of color and a speaker which outputs morethan one audio information wherein said communication device storesinformation regarding a plurality of phone numbers, a specific colorand/or a specific audio information is designated to each phone numberrespectively, and said specific color is output from said color emittingmeans and/or said specific audio information is output from said speakeraccording to the phone number of an incoming call thereby enabling theuser of said communication device to perceive the identification of thecaller of said incoming call in advance of answering thereto.

<<Stock Purchase>>

FIGS. 48 through 52 illustrate the method of purchasing stocks byutilizing communication device 200 (FIG. 1).

FIG. 48 illustrates the data stored in ROM 207 (FIG. 1) necessary to setthe notice mode. Area 251 stores the program regarding the vibrationmode (i.e., vibration mode ON/vibration mode OFF); area 252 stores theprogram regarding sound which is emitted from speaker 216 (FIG. 1) andseveral types of sound data, such as sound data I, sound data J, andsound data K are stored therein; area 253 stores the program regardingthe color emitted from indicator 212 (FIG. 1) and several types of colordata, such as color data L, color data, M, and color data N are storedtherein.

As illustrated in FIG. 49, the notice mode is activated in the manner incompliance with the settings stored in setting data area 271 of RAM 206(FIG. 1). In the example illustrated in FIG. 49, when the notice mode isactivated, vibrator 217 (FIG. 1) is turned on in compliance with thedata stored in area 251 a, speaker 216 (FIG. 1) is turned on and sounddata J is emitted therefrom in compliance with the data stored in area252 a, and indicator 212 (FIG. 1) is turned on and color M is emittedtherefrom in compliance with the data stored in area 253 a. Area 292stores the stock purchase data, i.e., the name of the brand, the amountof limited price, the name of the stock market (such as NASDAQ and/orNYSE) and other relevant information regarding the stock purchase.

As illustrated in FIG. 50, the user of communication device 200 inputsthe stock purchase data from input device 210 (FIG. 1) or by the voicerecognition system, which is stored in area 292 of RAM 206 (FIG. 49)(S1). By way of inputting specific data from input device 210, theproperty of notice mode (i.e., vibration ON/OFF, sound ON/OFF and thetype of sound, indicator ON/OFF, and the type of color) is set and therelevant data are stored in area 271 (i.e., areas 251 a, 252 a, 253 a)(FIG. 49) of RAM 206 by the programs stored in areas 251, 252, 253 ofROM 207 (FIG. 48) (S2). Communication device 200 initiates a dialingprocess (S3) until it is connected to host H (described hereinafter)(S4) and sends the stock purchase data thereto.

FIG. 51 illustrates the operation of host H (not shown). As soon as hostH receives the stock purchase data from communication device 200 (S1),it initiates to monitor the stock markets which is specified in thestock purchase data (S2). If host H detects that the price of thecertain brand specified in the stock purchase data meets the limitedprice specified in the stock purchase data, (in the present example ifthe price of brand x is y) (S3), it initiates a dialing process (S4)until it is connected to communication device 200 (S5) and sends anotice data thereto (S6).

As illustrated in FIG. 52, communication device 200 periodicallymonitors the data received from host H (not shown) (S1). If the datareceived is a notice data (S2), the notice mode is activated in themanner in compliance with the settings stored in setting data area 271(FIG. 49) of RAM 206 (S3). In the example illustrated in FIG. 49,vibrator 217 (FIG. 1) is turned on, sound data J is emitted from speaker216 (FIG. 1), and indicator 212 (FIG. 1) emits color M.

<<Stock Purchase—Summary>>

The foregoing invention may be summarized as the following.

A communication system consisting of a first computer and a secondcomputer wherein said second computer is a wireless communication deviceincluding an antenna, a stock purchase data is input to said secondcomputer, said first computer monitors one or more stock marketsspecified in said stock purchase data and sends a notice to said secondcomputer, and said second computer responds in a specified manner uponreceiving said notice from said antenna in a wireless fashion therebyenabling the user of said second computer to receive said noticeregarding said stock purchase data in any location wherever he/shedesires.

<<Timer Email >>

FIGS. 53 a and 53 b illustrate the method of sending emails fromcommunication device 200 (FIG. 1) by utilizing a timer.

Address data, i.e., email address is input by input device 210 or byvoice recognition system explained in FIG. 3, FIG. 4, FIG. 5, FIG. 13,FIG. 14, FIG. 14 a, FIG. 15, FIG. 16 and/or FIG. 17 (S1) and the textdata, the text of the email message is input by the same manner (S2).The address data and the text data are automatically saved in RAM 206(FIG. 1) (S3). The sequence of S1 through S3 is repeated (i.e., writingmore than one email) until a specified input signal is input from inputdevice 210 (FIG. 1) or by utilizing the voice recognition systemexplained above. Once inputting both the address data and the text data(which also includes numeric data, images and programs) are completed atimer (not shown) is set by input device 210 or by utilizing the voicerecognition system (S5), and the timer is incremented periodically (S6)until the timer value equals the predetermined value specified in S5(S7). A dialing process is continued (S8) until the line is connected(S9) and the text data are sent thereafter to email addresses specifiedin S1 (S10). All of the emails are sent (S11) and the line isdisconnected thereafter (S12).

As another embodiment of the present invention a specific time may beinput by input device 210 and send the text data on the specific time(i.e., a broad meaning of “timer”).

<<Timer Email—Summary>>

The foregoing invention may be summarized as the following.

A communication device consisting of a text data input means whichinputs one or more text data, a storage means which stores said textdata, a sending means which sends said text data which is input by saidinput means, and a timer means which activates said sending means at apredetermined time wherein said text data input means input said textdata, said storage means stores said text data input by said text datainput means, said timer means activates said sending means at saidpredetermined time, and said sending means sends said text data at saidpredetermined time thereby enabling the user of said communicationdevice to send said text data at said predetermined time at which saiduser is not able to send said text data.

<<Call Blocking>>

FIGS. 54 through 56 illustrates the so-called “call blocking” functionof communication device 200 (FIG. 1).

As illustrated in FIG. 54, RAM 206 (FIG. 1) includes area 273 and area274. Area 273 stores phone numbers that should be blocked. In theexample illustrated in FIG. 54, phone #1, phone #2, and phone #3 areblocked. Area 274 stores a message data, preferably a wave data, statingthat the phone can not be connected.

FIG. 55 illustrates the operation of communication device 200. Whencommunication device 200 receives a call (S1), CPU 211 (FIG. 1) scansarea 273 (FIG. 54) of RAM 206 (S2). If the phone number of the incomingcall matches one of the phone numbers stored in area 273 (S3), CPU 211sends the message data stored in area 274 (FIG. 54) of RAM 206 to thecaller device (S4) and disconnects the line (S5).

FIG. 56 illustrates the method of updating area 273 (FIG. 54) of RAM206. Assuming that the phone number of the incoming call does not matchany of the phone numbers stored in area 273 of RAM 206 (see S3 of FIG.55). In that case, communication device 200 is connected to the callerdevice. However, the user of communication device 200 may decide to havesuch number “blocked” after all. If that is the case, the user dials“999” while the line is connected. Technically CPU 211 (FIG. 1)periodically checks the signals input from input device 210 (FIG. 1)(S1). If the input signal represents a numerical data “999” from inputdevice 210 (S2), CPU 211 adds the phone number of the pending call toarea 273 (S3) and sends the message data stored in area 274 (FIG. 54) ofRAM 206 to the caller device (S4). The line is disconnected thereafter(S5).

FIGS. 57 through 59 illustrate another embodiment of the presentinvention.

As illustrated in FIG. 57, host H (not shown) includes area 403 and area404. Area 403 stores phone numbers that should be blocked to beconnected to communication device 200. In the example illustrated inFIG. 57, phone #1, phone #2, and phone #3 are blocked for device A;phone #4, phone #5, and phone #6 are blocked for device B; and phone #7,phone #8, and phone #9 are blocked for device C. Area 404 stores amessage data stating that the phone can not be connected.

FIG. 58 illustrates the operation of host H (not shown). Assuming thatthe caller device is attempting to connect to device B, communicationdevice. Host H periodically checks the signals from all communicationdevice 200 (S1). If host H detects a call for device B (S2), it scansarea 403 (FIG. 57) (S3) and checks whether the phone number of theincoming call matches one of the phone numbers stored therein for deviceB (S4). If the phone number of the incoming call does not match any ofthe phone numbers stored in area 403, the line is connected to device B(S5 b). On the other hand, if the phone number of the incoming callmatches one of the phone numbers stored in area 403, the line is“blocked,” i.e., not connected to device B (S5 a) and host H sends themassage data stored in area 404 (FIG. 57) to the caller device (S6).

FIG. 59 illustrates the method of updating area 403 (FIG. 57) of host H.Assuming that the phone number of the incoming call does not match anyof the phone numbers stored in area 403 (see S4 of FIG. 58). In thatcase, host H allows the connection between the caller device andcommunication device 200, however, the user of communication device 200may decide to have such number “blocked” after all. If that is the case,the user simply dials “999” while the line is connected. Technicallyhost H (FIG. 57) periodically checks the signals input from input device210 (FIG. 1) (S1). If the input signal represents “999” from inputdevice 210 (FIG. 1) (S2), host H adds the phone number of the pendingcall to area 403 (S3) and sends the message data stored in area 404(FIG. 57) to the caller device (S4). The line is disconnected thereafter(S5).

As another embodiment of the method illustrated in FIG. 59, host H (FIG.57) may delegate some of its tasks to communication device 200 (thisembodiment is not shown in drawings). Namely, communication device 200periodically checks the signals input from input device 210 (FIG. 1). Ifthe input signal represents a numeric data “999” from input device 210,communication device 200 sends to host H a block request signal as wellas with the phone number of the pending call. Host H, upon receiving theblock request signal from communication device 200, adds the phonenumber of the pending call to area 403 (FIG. 57) and sends the messagedata stored in area 404 (FIG. 57) to the caller device. The line isdisconnected thereafter.

<<Call Blocking—Summary>>

The foregoing invention may be summarized as the following.

(1) A communication system consisting of a communication device and ablocked number storage means wherein an incoming call is prevented frombeing connected to said communication device if the phone number of saidincoming call is included in said blocked number storage means therebypreventing the user of said communication device from being disturbedfrom unnecessary calls.

(2) A communication system consisting of a communication device and ablocked number storage means wherein a pending call is disconnected fromsaid communication device if a predetermined signal is input to saidcommunication device and the phone number of said pending call isincluded in said blocked number storage means thereby preventing theuser of said communication device from being disturbed from unnecessarycalls.

<<Online Payment>>

FIGS. 60 through 64 illustrate the method of online payment by utilizingcommunication device 200 (FIG. 1).

As illustrated in FIG. 60, host H includes account data storage area405. All of the account data of the users of communication device 200who have signed up for the online payment service are stored in area405. In the example described in FIG. 60, account A stores the relevantaccount data of the user using device A; account B stores the relevantaccount data of the user using device B; account C stores the relevantaccount data of the user using device C; and account D stores therelevant account data of the user using device D. Here, device A, B, C,and D are communication device 200.

FIGS. 61 a and 61 b illustrate the operation of the payer device,communication device 200. Assuming that device A is the payer device anddevice B is the payee device. Account A explained in FIG. 60 stores theaccount data of the user of device A, and account B explained in thesame drawing stores the account data of the user of device B. Asillustrated in FIG. 61 a, LCD 201 (FIG. 1) of device A displays thebalance of account A by receiving the relevant data from host H (FIG.60) (S1). From the signal input from input device 210 (FIG. 1), thepayer's account and the payee's account are selected (in the presentexample, account A as the payer's account and account B as the payee'saccount are selected), and the amount of payment and the device ID (inthe present example, device A as the payer's device and device B as thepayee's device) are input via input device 210 (S2). If the data inputfrom input device 210 is correct (S3), CPU 211 (FIG. 1) of device Aprompts for other payments. If there are other payments to make, thesequence of S1 through S3 is repeated until all of the payments are made(S4). The dialing process is initiated and repeated thereafter (S5)until the line is connected to host H (FIG. 60) (S6). Once the line isconnected, device A sends the payment data to host H (S7). The line isdisconnected when all of the payment data including the data produced inS2 are sent to host H (S8 and S9).

FIG. 62 illustrates the payment data described in S7 of FIG. 61 b.Payment data 620 is composed of header 621, payer's account information622, payee's account information 623, amount data 624, device ID data625, and footer 615. Payer's account information 622 represents theinformation regarding the payer's account data stored in host H (FIG.60) which is, in the present example, account A. Payee's accountinformation 623 represents the information regarding the payee's accountdata stored in host H which is, in the present example, account B.Amount data 624 represents the amount of monetary value either in theU.S. dollars or in other currencies which is to be transferred from thepayer's account to the payee's account. The device ID data representsthe data of the payer's device and the payee's device, i.e., in thepresent example, device A and device B.

FIG. 63 illustrates the basic structure of the payment data described inS7 of FIG. 61 b when multiple payments are made, i.e., when more thanone payment is made in S4 of FIG. 61 a. Assuming that three payments aremade in S4 of FIG. 61 a. In that case, payment data 630 is composed ofheader 631, footer 635, and three data sets, i.e., data set 632, dataset 633, data set 634. Each data set represents the data componentsdescribed in FIG. 62 excluding header 621 and footer 615.

FIG. 64 illustrates the operation of host H (FIG. 60). After receivingpayment data from device A described in FIGS. 62 and 63, host Hretrieves therefrom the payer's account information (in the presentexample account A), the payee's account information (in the presentexample account B), the amount data which represents the monetary value,and the device IDs of both the payer's device and the payee's device (inthe present example device A and device B) (S1). Host H, based on suchdata, subtracts the monetary value represented by the amount data fromthe payer's account (in the present example account A) (S2), and addsthe same amount to the payee's account (in the present example accountB) (S3). If there are other payments to make, i.e., if host H received apayment data which has a structure of the one described in FIG. 63, thesequence of S2 and S3 is repeated as many times as the amount of thedata sets are included in such payment data.

<<Online Payment—Summary>>

The foregoing invention may be summarized as the following.

An online payment system consisting of a host and a first device and asecond device wherein said host and said first device are connected in awireless fashion; said host and said second device are also connected ina wireless fashion; said host stores a first account data of said firstdevice and a second account data of said second device; a payment datawhich includes an amount data representing monetary value, said firstaccount data, and said second account data is input into said firstdevice; said payment data is sent to said host in a wireless fashion;and said host subtracts the value represented by said amount data fromsaid first account data and adds the same value to said second accountdata thereby enables the users of said first device and said seconddevice to initiate transactions and payments at any location whereverthey desire

<<Navigation System>>

FIGS. 65 through 74 illustrate the navigation system of communicationdevice 200 (FIG. 1).

As illustrated in FIG. 65, RAM 206 (FIG. 1) includes area 275, area 276,area 277, and area 295. Area 275 stores a plurality of map data,two-dimensional (2D) image data, which are designed to be displayed onLCD 201 (FIG. 1). Area 276 stores a plurality of object data,three-dimensional (3D) image data, which are also designed to bedisplayed on LCD 201. The object data are primarily displayed by amethod so-called “texture mapping” which is explained in detailshereinafter. Here, the object data include the three-dimensional data ofvarious types of objects that are displayed on LCD 201, such as bridges,houses, hotels, motels, inns, gas stations, restaurants, streets,traffic lights, street signs, trees, etc. Area 277 stores a plurality oflocation data, i.e., data representing the locations of the objectsstored in area 276. Area 277 also stores a plurality of datarepresenting the street address of each object stored in area 276. Inaddition, area 277 stores the current position data of communicationdevice 200 and the destination data which are explained in detailshereafter. The map data stored in area 275 and the location data storedin area 277 are linked each other. Area 295 stores a plurality ofattribution data attributing to the map data stored in area 275 andlocation data stored in area 277, such as road blocks, trafficaccidents, and road constructions, and traffic jams. The attributiondata stored in area 295 is updated periodically by receiving an updateddata from a host (not shown).

As illustrated in FIG. 66, video processor 202 (FIG. 1) includes texturemapping processor 290. Texture mapping processor 290 produces polygonsin a three-dimensional space and “pastes” textures to each polygon. Theconcept of such method is described in the following patents. U.S. Pat.No. 5,870,101, U.S. Pat. No. 6,157,384, U.S. Pat. No. 5,774,125, U.S.Pat. No. 5,375,206, and/or U.S. Pat. No. 5,925,127.

As illustrated in FIG. 67, the voice recognition system is activatedwhen the CPU 211 (FIG. 1) detects a specific signal input from inputdevice 210 (FIG. 1) (S1). After the voice recognition system isactivated, the input current position mode starts and the currentposition of communication device 200 is input by voice recognitionsystem explained in FIG. 3, FIG. 4, FIG. 5, FIG. 13, FIG. 14, FIG. 14 a,FIG. 15, FIG. 16 and/or FIG. 17 (S2). The current position can also beinput from input device 210. As another embodiment of the presentinvention, the current position can automatically be detected by themethod so-called “global positioning system” or “GPS” as illustrated inFIGS. 20 a through 26 and input the current data therefrom. After theprocess of inputting the current data is completed, the inputdestination mode starts and the destination is input by the voicerecognition system explained above or by the input device 210 (S3), andthe voice recognition system is deactivated after the process ofinputting the destination data is completed by utilizing such system(S4).

FIG. 68 illustrates the sequence of the input current position modedescribed in S2 of FIG. 67. When analog audio data is input frommicrophone 215 (FIG. 1) (S1), such data is converted into digital audiodata by A/D 213 (FIG. 1) (S2). The digital audio data is processed bysound processor 205 (FIG. 1) to retrieve text and numeric data therefrom(S3). The retrieved data is displayed on LCD 201 (FIG. 1) (S4). The datacan be corrected by repeating the sequence of S1 through S4 until thecorrect data is displayed (S5). If the correct data is displayed, suchdata is registered as current position data (S6). As stated above, thecurrent position data can be input manually by input device 210 (FIG. 1)and/or can be automatically input by utilizing the method so-called“global positioning system” or “GPS” as described hereinbefore.

FIG. 69 illustrates the sequence of the input destination mode describedin S3 of FIG. 67. When analog audio data is input from microphone 215(FIG. 1) (S1), such data is converted into digital audio data by A/D 213(FIG. 1) (S2). The digital audio data is processed by sound processor205 (FIG. 1) to retrieve text and numeric data therefrom (S3). Theretrieved data is displayed on LCD 201 (FIG. 1) (S4). The data can becorrected by repeating the sequence of S1 through S4 until the correctdata is displayed on LCD 201 (S5). If the correct data is displayed,such data is registered as destination data (S6).

FIG. 70 illustrates the sequence of displaying the shortest route fromthe current position to the destination. CPU 211 (FIG. 1) retrieves boththe current position data and the destination data which are input bythe method described in FIGS. 67 through 69 from area 277 (FIG. 65) ofRAM 206 (FIG. 1). By utilizing the location data of streets, bridges,traffic lights and other relevant data, CPU 211 calculates the shortestroute to the destination (S1). CPU 211 then retrieves the relevanttwo-dimensional map data which should be displayed on LCD 201 from area275 (FIG. 65) of RAM 206 (S2).

As another embodiment of the present invention, by way of utilizing thelocation data stored in area 277, CPU 211 may produce athree-dimensional map by composing the three dimensional objects (bymethod so-called “texture mapping” as described above) which are storedin area 276 (FIG. 65) of RAM 206. The two-dimensional map and/or thethree dimensional map is displayed on LCD 201 (FIG. 1) (S3).

As another embodiment of the present invention, the attribution datastored in area 295 (FIG. 65) of RAM 206 may be utilized. Namely if anyroad block, traffic accident, road construction, and/or traffic jam isincluded in the shortest route calculated by the method mentioned above,CPU 211 (FIG. 1) calculates the second shortest route to thedestination. If the second shortest route still includes road block,traffic accident, road construction, and/or traffic jam, CPU 211calculates the third shortest route to the destination. CPU 211calculates repeatedly until the calculated route does not include anyroad block, traffic accident, road construction, and/or traffic jam. Theshortest route to the destination is highlighted by a significant color(such as red) to enable the user of communication device 200 to easilyrecognize such route on LCD 201 (FIG. 1).

As another embodiment of the present invention, an image which issimilar to the one which is observed by the user in the real world maybe displayed on LCD 201 (FIG. 1) by utilizing the three-dimensionalobject data. In order to produce such image, CPU 211 (FIG. 1) identifiesthe present location and retrieves the corresponding location data fromarea 277 (FIG. 65) of RAM 206. Then CPU 211 retrieves a plurality ofobject data which correspond to such location data from area 276 (FIG.65) of RAM 206 and displays a plurality of objects on LCD 201 based onsuch object data in a manner the user of communication device 200 mayobserve from the current location.

FIG. 71 illustrates the sequence of updating the shortest route to thedestination while communication device 200 is moving. By way ofperiodically and automatically inputting the current position by themethod so-called “global positioning system” or “GPS” as describedhereinbefore, the current position is continuously updated (S1). Byutilizing the location data of streets and traffic lights and otherrelevant data, CPU 211 (FIG. 1) recalculates the shortest route to thedestination (S2). CPU 211 then retrieves the relevant two-dimensionalmap data which should be displayed on LCD 201 from area 275 (FIG. 65) ofRAM 206 (S3). Instead, by way of utilizing the location data stored inarea 277 (FIG. 65), CPU 211 may produce a three-dimensional map bycomposing the three dimensional objects by method so-called “texturemapping” which are stored in area 276 (FIG. 65) of RAM 206. Thetwo-dimensional map and/or the three-dimensional map is displayed on LCD201 (FIG. 1) (S4). The shortest route to the destination isre-highlighted by a significant color (such as red) to enable the userof communication device 200 to easily recognize the updated route on LCD201.

FIG. 72 illustrates the method of finding the shortest location of thedesired facility, such as restaurant, hotel, gas station, etc. The voicerecognition system is activated in the manner described in FIG. 67 (S1).By way of utilizing the voice recognition system, a certain type offacility is selected from the options displayed on LCD 201 (FIG. 1). Theprepared options can be a) restaurant, b) lodge, and c) gas station(S2). Once one of the options is selected, CPU 211 (FIG. 1) calculatesand inputs the current position by the method described in FIG. 68and/or FIG. 71 (S3). From the data selected in S2, CPU 211 scans area277 (FIG. 65) of RAM 206 and searches the location of the facilities ofthe selected category (such as restaurant) which is the closest to thecurrent position (S4). CPU 211 then retrieves the relevanttwo-dimensional map data which should be displayed on LCD 201 from area275 of RAM 206 (FIG. 65) (S5). Instead, by way of utilizing the locationdata stored in 277 (FIG. 65), CPU 211 may produce a three-dimensionalmap by composing the three dimensional objects by method so-called“texture mapping” which are stored in area 276 (FIG. 65) of RAM 206. Thetwo-dimensional map and/or the three dimensional map is displayed on LCD201 (FIG. 1) (S6). The shortest route to the destination isre-highlighted by a significant color (such as red) to enable the userof communication device 200 to easily recognize the updated route on LCD201. The voice recognition system is deactivated thereafter (S7).

FIG. 73 illustrates the method of displaying the time and distance tothe destination. As illustrated in FIG. 73, CPU 211 (FIG. 1) calculatesthe current position wherein the source data can be input from themethod described in FIG. 68 and/or FIG. 71 (S1). The distance iscalculated from the method described in FIG. 70 (S2). The speed iscalculated from the distance which communication device 200 hasproceeded within specific period of time (S3). The distance to thedestination and the time left are displayed on LCD 201 (FIGS. 1) (S4 andS5).

FIG. 74 illustrates the method of warning and giving instructions whenthe user of communication device 200 deviates from the correct route. Byway of periodically and automatically inputting the current position bythe method so-called “global positioning system” or “GPS” as describedhereinbefore, the current position is continuously updated (S1). If thecurrent position deviates from the correct route (S2), a warning isgiven from speaker 216 (FIG. 1) and/or LCD 201 (FIG. 1) (S3). The methoddescribed in FIG. 74 is repeated for certain period of time. If thedeviation still exists after such period of time has passed, CPU 211(FIG. 1) initiates the sequence described in FIG. 70 and calculates theshortest route to the destination and display on LCD 201. The details ofsuch sequence is as same as the one explained in FIG. 70.

FIG. 74 a illustrates the overall operation of communication device 200regarding the navigation system and the communication system. Whencommunication device 200 receives data from antenna 218 (FIG. 1) (S1),CPU 211 (FIG. 1) determines whether the data is navigation data, i.e.,data necessary to operate the navigation system (S2). If the datareceived is a navigation data the navigation system described in FIGS.67 through 74 is performed (S3). On the other hand, if the data receivedis a communication data (S4), the communication system, i.e., the systemnecessary for wireless communication which is mainly described in FIG. 1is performed (S5).

<<Navigation System—Summary>>

The foregoing inventions may be summarized as the following.

(1) A GPS navigation device consisting of a display, a microphone, a GPSnavigation system which identifies the present location of said GPSnavigation device, and a voice recognition system which retrieves a textand numeric data from an analog audio input from said microphone whereinsaid analog audio is input to said microphone, said voice recognitionsystem retrieves said text and numeric data from said analog audio, saidtext and numeric data is input to said GPS navigation system therebyenabling the user of said GPS navigation device to input necessary datatherein without using his/her hands and/or without physically contactingsaid GPS navigation device and utilizing said GPS navigation system.

(2) A communication device consisting of a GPS navigation system, awireless communication system, and an antenna wherein said antennareceives navigation data which is necessary to operate said GPSnavigation system, and said antenna also receives communication datawhich is necessary to operate said wireless communication system therebyenabling said communication device to be compact and also enabling theuser of said communication device to find directions by utilizing saidGPS navigation system as well as using said wireless communicationsystem.

(3) A GPS navigation device consisting of a display means, a navigationsystem which identifies the present location of said GPS navigationdevice, a storage means which stores a plurality of object data which isa three-dimensional data of object that is displayed on said displaymeans and a plurality of location data which represents the location ofsaid object wherein based on a specific information produced by saidnavigation system a specific location data is selected from said storagemeans, a plurality of said object data which corresponds to saidlocation data is retrieved from said storage means, and said pluralityof said object data is displayed on said display means in a manner theuser of said GPS navigation device observes from the current location ofsaid GPS navigation device thereby enables said user of said GPSnavigation device to have a realistic view from said current location onsaid display means.

(4) A GPS navigation device consisting of a display means, a navigationsystem which identifies the shortest route from a first location to asecond location, a storage means which stores a plurality of locationdata which is categorized in one or more groups wherein when a certaingroup is selected, said navigation system retrieves a plurality oflocation data pertaining to said certain group, and identifies theshortest route to one of the location data pertaining to said certaingroup thereby enables the user of said GPS navigation device to take theshortest route from said user's present location to the location of saidcertain group.

(5) A GPS navigation device consisting of a display means, a navigationsystem which identifies the shortest route from a first location to asecond location, a storage means which stores a plurality of attributiondata wherein said shortest route is calculated by referring to saidplurality of attribution data thereby enabling the user of said GPSnavigation device to reach said second location within shorter periodtime by way of avoiding road blocks, traffic accidents, roadconstructions, and traffic jams.

<<Remote Controlling System>>

FIGS. 75 through 83 illustrate the remote controlling system utilizingcommunication device 200 (FIG. 1).

As illustrated in FIG. 75, communication device 200 is connected tonetwork NT. Network NT may be the internet or have the same or similarstructure described in FIG. 2 a, FIG. 2 b and/or FIG. 2 c except “deviceB” is substituted to “sub-host SH” in these drawings. Network NT isconnected to sub-host SH in a wireless fashion. Sub-host SH administersvarious kinds of equipment installed in building 801, such as TV 802,microwave oven 803, VCR 804, bathroom 805, room light 806, AC 807,heater 808, door 809, and CCD camera 810. Communication device 200transfers a control signal to sub-host SH via network NT, and sub-hostSH controls the selected equipment based on the control signal.

As illustrated in FIG. 76, communication device 200 is enabled toperform the remote controlling system when the device is set to the homeequipment controlling mode. Once communication device 200 is set to thehome equipment controlling mode, LCD 201 (FIG. 1) displays all pieces ofequipment which are remotely controllable by communication device 200.Each equipment can be controllable by the following method.

FIG. 77 illustrates the method of remotely controlling TV 802. In orderto check the status of TV 802, a specific signal is input from inputdevice 210 (FIG. 1) or by the voice recognition system, andcommunication device 200 thereby sends a check request signal tosub-host SH via network NT. Sub-host SH, upon receiving the checkrequest signal, checks the status of TV 802, i.e., the status of thepower (ON/OFF), the channel, and the timer of TV 802 (S1), and returnsthe results to communication device 200 via network NT, which aredisplayed on LCD 201 (FIG. 1) (S2). Based on the control signal producedby communication device 200, which is transferred via network NT,sub-host SH turns the power on (or off) (S3 a), selects the channel (S3b), and/or sets the timer of TV 802 (S3 c). The sequence of S2 and S3can be repeated (S4).

FIG. 78 illustrates the method of remotely controlling microwave oven803. In order to check the status of microwave oven 803, a specificsignal is input from input device 210 (FIG. 1) or by the voicerecognition system, and communication device 200 thereby sends a checkrequest signal to sub-host SH via network NT. Sub-host SH, uponreceiving the check request signal, checks the status of microwave oven803, i.e., the status of the power (ON/OFF), the status of temperature,and the timer of microwave oven 803 (S1), and returns the results tocommunication device 200 via network NT, which are displayed on LCD 201(FIG. 1) (S2). Based on the control signal produced by communicationdevice 200, which is transferred via network NT, sub-host SH turns thepower on (or off) (S3 a), selects the temperature (S3 b), and/or setsthe timer of microwave oven 803 (S3 c). The sequence of S2 and S3 can berepeated (S4).

FIG. 79 illustrates the method of remotely controlling VCR 804. In orderto check the status of VCR 804, a specific signal is input from inputdevice 210 (FIG. 1) or by the voice recognition system, andcommunication device 200 thereby sends a check request signal tosub-host SH via network NT. Sub-host SH, upon receiving the checkrequest signal, checks the status of VCR 804, i.e., the status of thepower (ON/OFF), the channel, the timer, and the status of the recordingmode (e.g., one day, weekdays, or weekly) of VCR 804 (S1), and returnsthe results to communication device 200 via network NT, which aredisplayed on LCD 201 (FIG. 1) (S2). Based on the control signal producedby communication device 200, which is transferred via network NT,sub-host SH turns the power on (or off) (S3 a), selects the TV channel(S3 b), sets the timer (S3 c), and/or selects the recording mode of VCR804 (S3 d). The sequence of S2 and S3 can be repeated (S4).

FIG. 80 illustrates the method of remotely controlling bathroom 805. Inorder to check the status of bathroom 805, a specific signal is inputfrom input device 210 (FIG. 1) or by the voice recognition system, andcommunication device 200 thereby sends a check request signal tosub-host SH via network NT. Sub-host SH, upon receiving the checkrequest signal, checks the status of bathroom 805, i.e., the status ofthe bath plug (or the stopper for bathtub) (OPEN/CLOSE), thetemperature, the amount of hot water, and the timer of bathroom 805(S1), and returns the results to communication device 200 via networkNT, which are displayed on LCD 201 (FIG. 1) (S2). Based on the controlsignal produced by communication device 200, which is transferred vianetwork NT, sub-host SH opens (or closes) the bath plug (S3 a), selectsthe temperature (S3 b), selects the amount of hot water (S3 c), and/orsets the timer of bathroom 805 (S3 d). The sequence of S2 and S3 can berepeated (S4).

FIG. 81 illustrates the method of remotely controlling AC 807 and heater808. In order to check the status of AC 807 and/or heater 808 a specificsignal is input from input device 210 (FIG. 1) or by the voicerecognition system, and communication device 200 thereby sends a checkrequest signal to sub-host SH via network NT. Sub-host SH, uponreceiving the check request signal, checks the status of AC 807 and/orheater 808, i.e., the status of the power (ON/OFF), the status oftemperature, and the timer of AC 807 and/or heater 808 (S1), and returnsthe results to communication device 200 via network NT, which aredisplayed on LCD 201 (FIG. 1) (S2). Based on the control signal producedby communication device 200, which is transferred via network NT,sub-host SH turns the power on (or off) (S3 a), selects the temperature(S3 b), and/or sets the timer of AC 807 and/or heater 808 (S3 c). Thesequence of S2 and S3 can be repeated (S4).

FIG. 82 illustrates the method of remotely controlling door 809. Inorder to check the status of door 809 a specific signal is input frominput device 210 (FIG. 1) or by the voice recognition system, andcommunication device 200 thereby sends a check request signal tosub-host SH via network NT. Sub-host SH, upon receiving the checkrequest signal, checks the status of door 809, i.e., the status of thedoor lock (LOCKED/UNLOCKED), and the timer of door lock (S1), andreturns the results to communication device 200 via network NT, whichare displayed on LCD 201 (FIG. 1) (S2). Based on the control signalproduced by communication device 200, which is transferred via networkNT, sub-host SH locks (or unlocks) the door (S3 a), and/or sets thetimer of the door lock (S3 b). The sequence of S2 and S3 can be repeated(S4).

FIG. 83 illustrates the method of CCD camera 810. In order to check thestatus of CCD camera 810 a specific signal is input from input device210 (FIG. 1) or by the voice recognition system, and communicationdevice 200 thereby sends a check request signal to sub-host SH vianetwork NT. Sub-host SH, upon receiving the check request signal, checksthe status of CCD camera 810, i.e., the status of the camera angle, zoomand pan, and the timer of CCD camera 810 (S1), and returns the resultsto communication device 200 via network NT, which are displayed on LCD201 (FIG. 1) (S2). Based on the control signal produced by communicationdevice 200, which is transferred via network NT, sub-host SH selects thecamera angle (S3 a), selects zoom or pan (S3 b), and/or sets the timerof CCD camera 810 (S3 c). The sequence of S2 and S3 can be repeated(S4).

FIG. 84 illustrates the overall operation of communication device 200regarding the remote controlling system and communication system. CPU211 (FIG. 1) periodically checks the input signal from input device 210(FIG. 1) (S1). If the input signal indicates that the remote controllingsystem is selected (S2), CPU 211 initiates the process for the remotecontrolling system (S3). On the other hand, if the input signalindicates that the communication system is selected (S4), CPU 211initiates the process for the communication system (S5).

FIG. 85 is a further description of the communication performed betweensub-host SH and door 809 which is described in FIG. 82. When sub-host SHreceives a check request signal as described in FIG. 82, sub-host SHsends a check status signal which is received by controller 831 viatransmitter 830. Controller 831 checks the status of door lock 832 andsends back a response signal to sub-host SH via transmitter 830 in awireless fashion indicating that door lock 832 is locked or unlocked.Upon receiving the response signal from controller 832, sub-host SHsends a result signal to communication device 200 in a wireless fashionas described in FIG. 82. When sub-host SH receives a control signal fromcommunication device 200 in a wireless fashion as described in FIG. 82,it sends a door control signal which is received by controller 831 viatransmitter 830. Controller 831 locks or unlocks door lock 832 inconformity with the door control signal. As another embodiment of thepresent invention, controller 831 may owe the task of both sub-host SHand itself and communicate directly with communication device 200 vianetwork NT.

As another embodiment of the present invention each equipment, i.e., TV802, microwave oven 803, VCR 804, bathroom 805, room light 806, AC 807,heater 808, door lock 809, and CCD camera 810, may carry a computerwhich directly administers its own equipment and directly communicateswith communication device 200 via network NT instead of sub-host SHadministering all pieces of equipment and communicate with communicationdevice 200.

The above-mentioned invention is not limited to equipment installed inbuilding 801 (FIG. 75), i.e., it is also applicable to the onesinstalled in all carriers in general, such as automobiles, airplanes,space shuttles, ships, motor cycles and trains.

<<Remote Controlling System—Summary>>

The foregoing inventions may be summarized as the following.

(1) A remote controlling system consisting of a wireless communicationdevice, an administration device which is capable of communicating withsaid communication device in a wireless fashion, a plurality ofequipment which are subject to control of said administration devicewherein said communication device sends a controlling signal to saidadministration device, said administration device controls saidplurality of equipment in conformity with said control signal therebyenabling the user of said remote controlling system to remotely controlone or more of said equipment in a wireless fashion from any locationhe/she desires and enabling said user to remotely control one or moresaid equipment as well as using said remote controlling system tocommunicate with other devices.

(2) A communication device consisting of a remote controlling systemwhich locks or unlocks a door, a wireless communication system, and anantenna wherein said antenna sends a door control signal which isnecessary to lock or unlock said door, and said antenna also sends acommunication signal which is necessary to operate said wirelesscommunication system thereby enabling said communication device to becompact and also enabling the user of said communication device to lockor unlock said door as well as using said wireless communication system.

<<Auto Emergency Calling System>>

FIGS. 86 and 87 illustrate the automatic emergency calling systemutilizing communication device 200 (FIG. 1).

FIG. 86 illustrates the overall structure of the automatic emergencycalling system. Communication device 200 is connected to network NT in awireless fashion. Network NT may be the Internet or have the same orsimilar structure described in FIG. 2 a, FIG. 2 b and/or FIG. 2 c.Network NT is connected to automobile 835 thereby enabling automobile835 to communicate with communication device 200 in a wireless fashion.Emergency center EC, a host computer, is also connected to automobile835 in a wireless fashion via network NT. Airbag 838 which preventspersons in automobile 835 from being physically injured or minimizessuch injury in case traffic accidents occur is connected to activator840 which activates airbag 838 when it detects an impact of more thancertain level. Detector 837 sends an emergency signal via transmitter836 in a wireless fashion when activator 840 is activated. Theactivation signal is sent to both emergency center EC and communicationdevice 200. In lieu of airbag 838 any equipment may be used so long assuch equipment prevents from or minimizes physical injuries of thepersons in automobile 835.

FIG. 87 illustrates the overall process of the automatic emergencycalling system. Detector 837 (FIG. 86) periodically checks the status ofactivator 840 (FIG. 86) (S1). If the activator 840 is activated (S2),detector 837 transmits an emergency signal via transmitter 836 in awireless fashion (S3 a). The emergency signal is transferred via networkNT and received by emergency center EC (FIG. 86) and by communicationdevice 200 in a wireless fashion (S3 b).

As another embodiment of the present invention, the power of detector837 (FIG. 86) may be usually turned off, and activator 840 (FIG. 86) mayturn on the power of detector 837 by the activation of activator 840thereby enabling detector 837 to send the emergency signal to bothemergency center EC (FIG. 86) and to communication device 200 asdescribed above.

This invention is also applicable to any carriers including airplanes,space shuttles, ships, motor cycles and trains.

<<Auto Emergency Calling System—Summary>>

The foregoing invention may be summarized as the following.

An automatic emergency calling system consisting of a carrier, a networkand a host wherein said carrier consists of a physical injury preventionmeans which prevents persons in said carrier from being physicallyinjured or minimizes such injury, a detector which sends an emergencysignal, said detector sends said emergency signal when said physicalinjury prevention means is activated, said emergency signal is receivedby said host via said network thereby enabling to minimize the durationof time of said persons to be rescued.

Having thus described a presently preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, it will not be appreciated that the aspects of the inventionhave been fully achieved, and it will be understood by those skilled inthe art that many changes in construction and circuitry and widelydiffering embodiments and applications of the invention will suggestthemselves without departing from the spirit and scope of the presentinvention. The disclosures and the description herein are intended to beillustrative and are not in any sense limiting of the invention, morepreferably defined in scope by the following claims.

1. A communication device comprising a microphone, a speaker, a display,an input device, a camera, an antenna, and a multiple mode implementor,wherein said multiple mode implementor implements a voice communicationmode, a digital mirror mode, a video phone mode, and a call blockingmode; wherein a voice communication is performed by utilizing saidmicrophone and said speaker when said voice communication mode isimplemented; visual data is input via said camera, said visual data isconverted to an inverted visual data which is inverted data of saidvisual data, and said inverted visual data is output from said displaywhen said digital mirror mode is implemented; an audiovisualcommunication is performed by utilizing said microphone, said speaker,and said camera when said video phone mode is implemented; and when saidcommunication device receives an incoming call via said antenna and theidentification of the caller of said incoming call is determined to beincluded in a call blocking list, communication between the caller andsaid communication device is not implemented when said call blockingmode is implemented.
 2. The communication device of claim 1, whereinsaid camera is capable to face a 1st direction and a 2nd direction, andsaid digital mirror mode is implemented when said camera faces said 1stdirection.
 3. The communication device of claim 1, wherein said multiplemode implementor further implements a non-digital mirror mode, whereinthe visual data input via said camera is output from said displaywithout being inverted.
 4. The communication device of claim 1, whereinsaid camera is capable to face a 1st direction and a 2nd direction, andsaid digital mirror mode is implemented when said camera faces said 1stdirection, said multiple mode implementor further implements anon-digital mirror mode, wherein the visual data input via said camerais output from said display without being inverted, and said non-digitalmirror mode is implemented when said camera faces said 2nd direction. 5.The communication device of claim 1, wherein said multiple modeimplementor further implements a non-digital mirror mode, wherein thevisual data input via said camera is output from said display withoutbeing inverted, said visual data is retrieved in a 1st manner from adata storage area when said digital mirror mode is implemented, and saidvisual data is retrieved in a 2nd manner from the same data storage areawhen said non-digital mirror mode is implemented.
 6. The communicationdevice of claim 1, wherein said camera is the camera utilized to inputvisual data when implementing said video phone mode.
 7. A communicationdevice comprising a microphone, a speaker, a display, an input device, a1st camera, a 2nd camera, an antenna, and a multiple mode implementor,wherein said multiple mode implementor implements a voice communicationmode, a digital mirror mode, a non-digital mirror mode, a video phonemode, and a call blocking mode; wherein a voice communication isperformed by utilizing said microphone and said speaker when said voicecommunication mode is implemented; a 1st visual data is input via said1st camera, said 1st visual data is inverted, and said 1st visual datawhich is inverted is output from said display when said digital mirrormode is implemented; a 2nd visual data is input via said 2nd camera,said 2nd visual data is output from said display without being invertedwhen said non-digital mirror mode is implemented; an audiovisualcommunication is performed by utilizing said microphone, said speaker,and said 1st or 2nd cameras when said video phone mode is implemented;and when said communication device receives an incoming call via saidantenna and the identification of the caller of said incoming call isdetermined to be included in a call blocking list, communication betweenthe caller and said communication device is not implemented when saidcall blocking mode is implemented.
 8. The communication device of claim7, wherein said 1st camera faces the same or similar direction with saiddisplay.
 9. The communication device of claim 7, wherein said 1st camerafaces a 1st direction and said 2nd camera faces a 2nd direction which isdifferent from said 1st direction.
 10. The communication device of claim7, wherein said 1st camera faces a 1st direction and said 2nd camerafaces a 2nd direction which is different from said 1st direction, andsaid 1st camera faces the same or similar direction with said display.11. The communication device of claim 7, wherein said 1st visual data isretrieved in a 1st manner from a data storage area when said digitalmirror mode is implemented.
 12. The communication device of claim 7,wherein said 2nd visual data is retrieved in a 2nd manner from a datastorage area when said non-digital mirror mode is implemented.
 13. Thecommunication device of claim 7, wherein said 1st visual data isretrieved from a 1st direction from a data storage area when saiddigital mirror mode is implemented.
 14. The communication device ofclaim 7, wherein said 2nd visual data is retrieved from a 2nd directionfrom a data storage area when said non-digital mirror mode isimplemented.
 15. A communication device comprising a microphone, aspeaker, a display, an input device, a 1st camera, a 2nd camera, anantenna, and a multiple mode implementor, wherein said multiple modeimplementor implements a voice communication mode, a digital mirrormode, and a non-digital mirror mode; wherein a voice communication isperformed by utilizing said microphone and said speaker when said voicecommunication mode is implemented; a 1st visual data is input via said1st camera, said 1st visual data is inverted, and said 1st visual datawhich is inverted is output from said display when said digital mirrormode is implemented; and a 2nd visual data is input via said 2nd camera,said 2nd visual data is output from said display without being invertedwhen said non-digital mirror mode is implemented.
 16. The communicationdevice of claim 15, wherein said 1st camera faces the same or similardirection with said display.
 17. The communication device of claim 15,wherein said 1st camera faces a 1st direction and said 2nd camera facesa 2nd direction which is different from said 1st direction.
 18. Thecommunication device of claim 15, wherein said 1st camera faces a 1stdirection and said 2nd camera faces a 2nd direction which is differentfrom said 1st direction, and said 1st camera faces the same or similardirection with said display.
 19. The communication device of claim 15,wherein said 1st visual data is retrieved from a 1st direction from adata storage area when said digital mirror mode is implemented.
 20. Thecommunication device of claim 15, wherein said 2nd visual data isretrieved from a 2nd direction from a data storage area when saidnon-digital mirror mode is implemented.